In my tribute to Jorge Mario Bergoglio, aka Pope Francis, who recently died leaving behind a legacy of remarkable humility and modest means, I’d like to share some background worth noting with the world. This week, I felt compelled to interrupt my three-part Mother’s Day series to honor his memory (more on that subject next week).
You won’t believe this: Pope Francis died leaving only $100. Yes, $100 — less than 90 euros. He had no house and no bank account. Pope Francis had no investments in his name. And yet he was the head of the Catholic Church, a position that could have paid him around 340,000 euros a year. But he refused the money each and every year since his installation in 2013, which equaled more than $55 million in salary alone. Why?
Because he was a Jesuit, and Jesuits take a vow of poverty. Rather than live in the Vatican’s luxurious apartments like his predecessors, he chose to settle in the Casa Santa Marta, a simple, modest residence. No gilding. This pope did not want or have personal servants. All he had was a bed, a desk and his faith. He wore his old, worn black shoes, refusing the traditional red loafers. His shoes felt comfortable, and it really did not matter to him.
He traveled in a small Ford Focus, while other religious leaders drove in limousines. He ate with Vatican employees, not in a private dining room. He dressed simply, with no special adornment, just his white vestment and an iron cross. Invisible wealth. Some cling to their possessions, their properties, their image, but Pope Francis chose to own nothing in order to give away everything in his possession.
When he passed away, he had no millions, no complex wills. All he had was $100, from what I have read, and he had a powerful message: “It’s not what you own that matters. It’s who you are. What you do for others.”
The world is shocked but inspired by a man of this day and time giving of himself in such a manner. In an era where wealth often becomes the ultimate goal, Pope Francis leaves an eternal mark without ever seeking to enrich himself. He left no material fortune. He left a moral fortune. Let’s hope he left a lesson in humility. Will you decide that you cannot take it with you and want to give what you can to help others? Pope Francis had a vision of service, not a vision of luxury. He was a pope of heart, who proved that to live simply is to reign differently. And you? What will you leave behind? Money? Things? Or real inspiration?
The life of Pope Francis was such a blessing! Though I can’t imagine giving that much, his story makes me feel good about my giving heart. I’ve noticed that each time the Lord has blessed me with substantive opportunities, rather than keep as much as I could, I have always found ways to share those funds with others and paid it out in consulting fees to staff — never thinking about keeping large amounts for myself.
Another great title for this article could be the title of the Clark Sisters song “Is My Living in Vain.” If you’re the smartest one in your group, you need a new group to hang around. Choose people you can learn from. Don’t try to always be the smartest person in your group. Get in there with them, watch what they do, watch what they say, and watch how they spend and invest their money!
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
